Lesser Kudu

Lesser Kudu

Geographical Range

Eastern Africa

Habitat

Thickets

Scientific Name

Tragelaphus imberbis australis

Conservation Status

Near threatened

These shy east African antelopes live in the safety of dense vegetation and thickets. They usually remain hidden during the day, preferring to browse or graze in the early morning and late evening. Lesser kudus are sexually dimorphic, which means males and females look distinctly different. Males are larger, dark grey and have horns; females are smaller, brown and do not have horns. These slender antelopes' sleek haircoats are marked with vertical white body stripes which camouflage them in their woodland habitat.

Lesser kudus are not common anywhere, but the wild populations are stable, perhaps because of their secretive lifestyle. Natural predators include lions, spotted hyenas, leopards and wild dogs.

Did You Know?

The handsome head of the male lesser kudu, with his elegant spiraled horns, is the symbol of the Saint Louis Zoo.